Dr Olivia Ong: 'Back on My Feet' - Brisbane Square Library

About the book

The inspirational story of how a rehabilitation doctor overcame her devastating spinal injury with faith and determination, and changed her life and practice as a result.

In September 2008, Dr Olivia Ong was struck by a car and suffered a catastrophic spinal injury. Her prognosis was devastating – she would never walk again. The future she had envisioned – practising medicine, having children and sharing life's simple joys with her husband, family and friends – seemed to slip away.

What followed was an extraordinary journey of resilience, requiring years of intensive physical therapy, unwavering determination and the relentless support of her loved ones. Against the odds, Olivia regained the ability to walk and returned to medicine, specialising in rehabilitation and pain management.

Olivia also discovered something profound as she transformed in heart and mind: self-compassion. This newfound empathy not only made her stronger, it also made her a better human being and doctor, one who truly understands and values the process of healing. Olivia now works in a way that offers her patients a new perspective, giving insight and motivation to anyone struggling in a situation that seems beyond their control. She believes that we can all learn to heal from the inside out, with courage, compassion and connection.

Back on My Feet is for anyone facing adversity, anyone searching for meaning and anyone who loves a moving story of perseverance of the human spirit.

About Dr Olivia Ong

Award-winning physician-entrepreneur and public speaker, known online as the Heart-Centred Doctor, Dr Olivia Ong is a Melbourne-based rehabilitation medicine and pain physician with 20 years of clinical experience. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and online educator. Olivia lives in Mont Albert, Melbourne.

Dr Olivia Ong will be in conversation with Carly-Jay Metcalfe, a Queensland-based writer. Her work has been published in K*ll Your Darlings, The Guardian and TEXT Journal. She is a passionate advocate for organ donation and for more honest conversations around dying and death.

Books will be available for purchase on the day from Dymocks, or bring your copy from home to be signed.

Presented as part of the Lord Mayor’s Writers in Residence series.

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Host or Publisher Brisbane City Council